Kamunting: Six candidates from the Tapah UMNO Division have been shortlisted for the UMNO Supreme Council’s consideration to contest the upcoming Ayer Kuning state by-election.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak UMNO chairman Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad revealed that the list includes the division’s deputy chief, vice-chief, treasurer, Wanita’s chief, youth chief, and Puteri’s chief. Saarani emphasized that Barisan Nasional (BN) is not waiting for an announcement from the Election Commission (EC) as a by-election must occur within 60 days according to EC regulations.

‘As per Clause 15.13.1 of the party’s constitution, the divisional UMNO committee is tasked with proposing candidates, but the final decision rests with the Supreme Council and the party president,’ Saarani stated after officiating the opening of the Green Excel Manufacturing Sdn Bhd factory in Kamunting.

During a recent divisional committee meeting, Saarani disclosed that he was mandated to propose eight candidates from the Tapah UMNO Division. However, two individuals withdrew their candidacies via WhatsApp, leaving six contenders.

Saarani noted that the selection criteria for candidates align with those outlined by UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, focusing on the ‘wali’ principle-winnable, acceptable, and likeable. He expressed confidence that the selected candidate would garner full support, with the remaining candidates rallying behind them.

Yesterday, Perak State Assembly Speaker Datuk Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid submitted the notice of vacancy for the Ayer Kuning state seat to the EC, following the passing of incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin. Ishsam, 59, succumbed to a heart attack on February 22 after participating in the 4-Corner Football Championship at Georgetown City Stadium, Penang. He had served as Tapah UMNO division chief since 2018 and secured the Ayer Kuning seat in the 15th General Election in November 2022, winning by a majority of 2,213 votes in a five-cornered contest.